music

From Viral to Radioactive: Can Pang Mailang Make a Comeback?

Visual stories that get up close and personal with contemporary China. A mix of short videos, documentaries, photography, and data visualization.

MULTIMEDIA

The Paper

Jay Chou’s Hits Are Now Crawling Into Science — As Spider Names

Timely reports on issues and events from across China. Drawing on a vast range of sources, these succinct articles provide insights into the significance of each issue in a wider context.

NEWS

Instead of traditional naming based on traits or location, a Chinese arachnologist turned to Jay Chou’s discography, naming 16 species after his hits.

Ding Rui

Remembering China’s ‘Godfather of Jazz’

Contributions from individuals with unique perspectives to share. Hear from everyone, from experts and commentators to those whose voices are often marginalized.

VOICES & OPINION

Liu Yuan, who died of cancer in December, helped reintroduce jazz to the Chinese mainland.

Cai Yiwen

Bringing Back Baile

Wu Huiyuan 

The Surprising Legacy of China’s Catchiest TV Theme Song

The 1980s adaptation of “Journey to the West” has an all-time great opening theme. So why did its composer fade into obscurity?

Cai Yineng

After Ye, What’s Next for International Artists in China?

Does the controversial rapper’s recent visit to the southern island of Hainan signal an open door for musicians?

How 1920s Shanghai Birthed the Modern Female Idol

Li Minghui and her father, the writer and director Li Jinhui, took on centuries of tradition to craft an image of the “new woman” that was both glamorous and wholesome.

Hao Yucong

Shanghai’s Last Accordion Craftsman Just Wants to Make Ends Meet

Articles that cut to the core of contemporary China. In-depth, informed, and carefully crafted, every piece is carried by the voices of the story’s participants.

FEATURES

Shen Jian never learned how to play the instrument, but after almost 50 years spent building accordions, he’s one of the few remaining custodians of an almost forgotten musical tradition.

Zhou Zhijian

Chinese Rock Isn’t Dead (For Now)

Nostalgia for Chinese rock’s “golden era” is fine, but it shouldn’t take away from the work of contemporary rockers.

China’s First Suona Ph.D. Is Ready for Her Solo

Liu Wenwen wants to make the traditional instrument — renowned for its noisiness — cool again.

Wu Haiyun

China’s Grassroots Hip-Hop Youth and the Power of “Abstract” Culture

Sound Check: How High Costs Are Silencing China’s Music Festivals

With rising costs, shifting consumer demands, and stricter regulations leading to a wave of music festivals being canceled, festival organizers are struggling to attract price-sensitive audiences while maintaining profitability.

Ye Zhanhang

Huang Yang

No Eras Tour in China? Swifties Brought the Magic Home Anyway.

To millions of Chinese fans, Taylor Swift is more than just a pop star; she embodies self-expression, authenticity, and resilience. When they couldn’t see her live, they turned to fan-organized screenings, merchandise exchanges, and elaborate recreations of concert scenes.

Zhang Zhen

Fan Yiying

The New Talent Show Striking Fear Into China’s Biggest Pop Stars

“Singer 2024” promises to shine a harsh spotlight on China’s stars by forcing them to perform live without autotune. During the first episode, the tension was palpable.

Out of Key: Why China is Stepping Back From Piano Lessons

The keyboard used to reign supreme in music lessons for the young. But costs and shifting cultural interests have led more students to embrace traditional Chinese instruments like the 'pipa' and bamboo flute.

Chu Jing Her

Has China’s Piano Craze Played Itself Out?

Demand for piano lessons is falling, but music education still has value.

Yao Zijin

In China, Young Fans Are Swapping Merch For Self-Made ‘Freebies’  

At live music performances and comic conventions, young Chinese are finding creative ways to express support for their favorite acts, simultaneously fostering community.

Yang Caini

For Chinese Rock Bands, a Shortcut to Fame Comes With Questions of Integrity 

Most Chinese rock bands know that they’re unlikely to secure fame and riches in China. But a hit television show has elevated the profile of many previously unknown bands, simultaneously raising existential questions about the meaning of the genre.

He Qitong

He Was China’s Greatest Concert Pianist. Then He Lost a Decade to Depression.

Your questions, answered. In-depth interviews with the minds and makers shaping today’s China.

Q & A

Before Lang Lang, Kong Xiangdong wowed audiences with his interpretations of Tchaikovsky and Rachmaninoff. Now, he has a new mission: raising awareness about mental health issues.

Rock Band Mayday Faces Music Over Lip-Sync Claims at Shanghai Gig 

While the popular Taiwanese band’s management company denied any allegations of lip-syncing, authorities in Shanghai have launched a probe.